Life — August 23, 1888 — page 10: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

- LIFE: SUMMER STUDIES IN NATURAL HISTORY. THE MOSQUITO. ERTAIN so-called humorists have tried to bring dis- credit upon the mosquito by making him the subject of their ill-timed jests, but we, dear reader, who study the marvelous creations of Nature with deeper insight have learned that the mosquito is by no means a subject for We know this to be particularly true if we happen to own real estate in New Jersey. joke. We will nevertheless not sing the mosquito's praises, for he is competent and willing to do that himself. As he chants his merry madrigals in the darkness of our sleeping apartments we would fain have him choose some other place for carrying on that branch of his business; but no, he is fonder of us than we are of him, and remains despite our utmost efforts to have him go. The fondness of the mosquito for the human race is one of the most beautiful examples Nature gives us of assiduous, untiring, undemonstrative affection. If a mosquito takes a fancy to a man the affectionate insect does not push himself to the front. The back of the neck, or that particular spot on the spine which can only be reached with a long-handled flesh-brush, is good enough for him. If the man is of surly disposition and drives his humble admirer from these re- tired spots, the mosquito is not above throwing himself at the feet of the man of his choice—particularly if the man wears low shoes. Like Jock Dering, he is not above lavish- ing the marks of his affection even upon the ankles of the object of his affection. Humanity's non-appreciation of the mosquito must be a constant source of wonderment to him, He comes and says in effect, “Here I have picked you out in preference to the whole world. There were thousands of others I might have chosen, but I have come to you of all others,” and the only answer he receives is an angry blow, which it requires all his energy and quickness to avoid. He flits off, wonders about this a moment or two, and concludes there must have been some mistake, whereupon he returns again as affectionate as ever. The Audubon Society has proposed as a means of arrest- ing the slaughter of other song-birds that more attention should be given to using the plumage of the mosquito for the ornamentation of women's head-gear. God forbid! It would not be long before the Jersey shore would swarm with mercenary hunters, armed with shotguns and accom- panied by cruel dogs. The mosquito would not be safe, even during the breeding season, and, like the buffalo, grizzly bear, and other American fauna, would soon become extinct. That such a suggestion should come from a humane society like the Audubon is ridiculous in the extreme. Nor can true lovers of Nature look with much greater approval on the suggestion that mosquitoes be substituted for dogs, cats and rabbits in the experiments of the cruel vivisectionists. Nature—kind, far-seeing, provident Nature—has created the mosquito for a purpose, and while we may not exactly un- derstand that purpose, dear reader, let us not countenance any efforts to thwart it. Metcalfe, A SPECIAL FAVOR. EREAVED WIDOW ((o country editor): Do you charge for obituary notices, Mr. Shears ? Country Epitor: As a general thing, we do, Mrs. Bently ; but your husband and I were very old friends, and I will only be too glad to publish his obituary for nothing. COMPENSATING ADVANTAGES. NGELICA: Why, mamma, is this the Rev. Mr. White- choker’s church? How very small it is! Mama: Well, it may be small, my dear, but it is very high. THE REASON WHY UNCLE ROMULUS DIDN'T BRING HIS BIG FISH HOME. comicbooks.com